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US5707139A
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Vertical cavity surface emitting laser arrays for illumination
Assignee: Avago Technologies International Sales Pte Ltd
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Filing: 1995-11-01
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Granted: 1998-01-13
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Expires: 2015-11-01
Abstract
Abstract Arrays of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers ("VCSEL"s) used for illumination in both infra-red and visible light wavelengths are described. By using several different arrays, each array generating light of a different wavelength, a replacement for conventional lighting sources can be obtained. The present invention offers lower power consumption and longer operating lifetime than known lighting technologies.
Inventors
- 👤 Roland H. Haitz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 11:44
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S5/00; H01S5/40; H01S5/42; H01S5/423; F; F21; F21K; F21K9/00; F21K9/20; F21K9/23; F21K9/60; F21Y; F21Y2115/00; F21Y2115/10; F21Y2115/30; H01S5/005; H01S5/02; H01S5/022; H01S5/02208; H01S5/0225; H01S5/02253; H01S5/023; H01S5/02325; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S362/00; Y10S362/80
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
An infra-red illumination source comprising: a plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting laser chips, each chip comprised of a plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting laser elements, the elements on each chip emitting infra-red light and being coupled together so that they can be driven at least in parallel, the chips being coupled together by a combination of series and parallel couplings; and a power supply coupled to the chips for providing drive current to the elements.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
77 words
An infra-red illumination source comprising: a plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting laser chips, each chip comprised of a plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting laser elements, the elements on each chip emitting infra-red light and being coupled together so that they can be driven at least in parallel, the chips being coupled together by a combination of series and parallel couplings; and a power supply coupled to the chips for providing drive current to the elements.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The source of claim 1 wherein the elements on each chip generate infra-red light of a different wavelength than that generated by the elements on the other chips.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The source of claim 2 wherein the elements on each chip generate infra-red light with a wavelength between 700 and 1000 nm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The source of claim 1 wherein the elements can be modulated at a frequency of at least 10 MHz.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The source of claim 2 wherein a phase destroying optical system is placed between the chips and objects being illuminated, the phase destroying optical system reducing the temporal coherence of the elements.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The source of claim 5 wherein the source is used to provide infra-red illumination for security purposes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
71 words
The source of claim 1 wherein each element has a cathode and an anode contact, the cathode contact of all elements on a chip being common and the anode contacts being formed into at least two separate anode groups, dimming of the source then being accomplished by a combination of decreasing the drive current to the elements and turning off those elements coupled to at least one of the anode groups.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US5325386A
Cited
US5535230A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-01-12 | 2001-07-14 | 2002-01-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-01-12 | 2005-07-14 | 2006-01-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-01-12 | 2009-07-14 | 2010-01-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |